Ramsey County Trails

The highlighted city is Saint Paul.

Ramsey County is the core of the five-county metro area, the one county bordered by all four others, and it's home to the state's capital city, Saint Paul. Its trails connect different sections of the county as commuter routes, while offering some recreational options. However, they could connect to each other more. You might have to do some street biking if you want a nice long ride in the county's northern section.

Breathe in and say "aaah" on one of the most cool and refreshing rides in the metro. It begins at the Point Douglas Trailhead off Highway 61, where you can connect to the Sam Morgan Trail. From there, it begins its upstream climb next to Battle Creek to its McKnight road terminus, crossing the creek several times on picturesque bridges, but only crossing two streets. At first, human intervention through storm drains and dams damages the creek's natural identity, but north of Upper Afton Road, the creek is wonderfully wooded and wild. (Last biked Sunday, September 28th, 2014, 12 PM to 1 PM)

FYI: Battle Creek Regional Park also has a system of mountain bike trails, and a paved trail loop in Maplewood (which I have not biked). Click here for a map of the park.

Birch is a lovely lake, but you will only catch glimpses of it from this suburban trail. The pavement condition is a bit below average, and the trail parallels moderately busy thoroughfares through a sparse suburban area, gradually getting quieter and more pleasant as you head north toward the Tamarack Nature Center. You can also bike along the north shore of Birch Lake on a very nice short trail (marked on the map). (Last biked Thursday, July 10th, 2014, 12 PM to 2 PM)

This rail trail connects the Gateway Trail to Lowertown Saint Paul (there is now bicycle access to Prince Street). It starts by heading north through Saint Paul's East Side, passing through the gorgeous Swede Hollow and Eastside Heritage Parks, and running along the thoroughfare Phalen Boulevard. Your way here is marked by wonderful new directional signs. North of Lake Phalen, the scenery of the trail changes dramatically as it enters wooded straightaways through Maplewood (where it crosses the Gateway) to Vadnais Heights, ending near 694. (Last biked Sunday, June 22nd, 2014, 4 PM to 6 PM)

Roseville's Central Park has a lovely little set of trails winding through it. The most popular is Bennet Lake, which has separate trails for walkers and bicyclists (though you will frequently find pedestrians on the bike trail, annoyingly). These trails are at their best when they curve away from the cars, ballparks and picnic benches of modern life, and wind through beautiful woods and past goose-riddled ponds.(Last biked Sunday, June 30, 2013, 4 PM to 6 PM)

From Harriet Island, you can ride on this brand-new trail up a long, curving hill to the top of the High Bridge, where you'll find all of central Saint Paul spread out before your eyes -- some of the best views in the Twin Cities. The 200+ degree panorama is definitely worth the climb. From there, one can travel briefly on roads (marked by signs) to reach the rest of the trail, which parallels a winding street through quiet Cherokee Park. Only occasional glimpses through the trees alert you to the fact that you're riding atop what may be the highest bluffs in the Twin Cities. (Last biked Sunday, September 14th, 2014, 4 PM to 6 PM)

This trail begins unmarked in Dinkytown, and is accessible via the Dinkytown Greenway and other bridges from Minneapolis. From Saint Paul, simply bike down to the river via side streets. This trail is a treasure, popular for good reason. The trail parallels Mississippi River Blvd and the deepest part of the spectacular Mississippi Gorge. The gorge gets wilder the farther south you go, and foliage is spectaular in autumn. Though the pavement is a little crumbled in spots (particularly between the Minneapolis/St. Paul line and Ford Pkwy), several scenic overlooks include views topping those on the Minneapolis side. Little spots everywhere allow you to survey the grandeur. The trail ends at "Two Rivers Overlook." From here, you can continue onto the Sam Morgan Trail, or take the 5 Bridge/Mendota Bridge Trail to Fort Snelling and the Big Rivers Trail. If you find pedestrian traffic on the trail to be too common, you can ride in the bike lane on the road. This trail is at its best in early spring and in fall, when the foliage is thin enough to reveal views of the gorge along the trail's entire length.(Last biked Saturday, June 21st, 2014, 8 PM to 10 PM)FYI: There are plenty of good reasons to stop along this trail, some of which are noted as blue landmarks on the map below.

This pleasant trail follows the Mississippi River below the bluff in Hidden Falls and Crosby Farm Parks. If you stay right (or left if heading west) through Crosby's trail system, you will be rewarded with near constant views of the river. Catch some views of Crosby Lake before the trail ascends to Shepherd Road and the Sam Morgan Trail. Though the pavement is sometimes quite bumpy, this beautiful floodplain, full of old trees, should not be missed.(Last biked Saturday, May 31st, 2014, 12 PM to 3 PM)

Eastern Segment(1.6 miles, Rating 1)This tattered, trashy, low maintenance trail parallels Highway 96 (sometimes called Co. Rd. G) from White Bear Lake to 35E. Commuters might as well just ride on the road, and recreational bicyclists will take one look at it and point their bikes as far in the other direction as possible.(Last biked Sunday, September 25th, 2011, 4 PM to 5 PM)

Western Segment (5.6 miles, Rating 1½)This segment parallels 96 from 35E to Snelling. Though the pavement is better, there are more trees, and it passes some of Shoreview's lakes, it's still loud, exhaust-choked and just plain boring.(Last biked Thursday, July 10th, 2014, 12 PM to 2 PM)

I-35E Trail (aka. I-35E Parkway Bike Route)Length: 3.7 milesRating: 2 ½ / 5Surface: Asphalt, Concrete & some on-roadFor a trail right next to a freeway's sound wall, the I-35E Trail is surprisingly pleasant and verdant. Then again, 35E between downtown Saint Paul and the river is not an ordinary freeway – it's a reduced-speed semi-parkway thanks to local activism. That said, the pavement of the trail is notably below average, and some road crossings are inconvenient for bicycles, particularly those around Grand Avenue. Many portions are on side streets (usually marked with signs), making this perhaps more accurately called a “bike route” than a “trail.” Unless you're commuting or live on the trail, don't go out of your way to ride here. (Last biked Sunday, October 19th, 2014, 2 PM to 3 PM)

When it comes to blufftop views in Saint Paul, Indian Mounds Park wins in the department of extended stretches of trail with constant panoramas. You'll find beautiful views of downtown Saint Paul, distant downtown Minneapolis, and also down the river. Atop the highest bluff are the sacred burial mounds that gave the park its name, as well as one of the last remaining airway beacons in the United States. The trail itself parallels quiet Mounds Blvd. It's bumpy in many places, narrow in others, and at one point is nothing more than a sidewalk -- the draw here is the sights. The trail continues down the bluff on Commercial Street, linking up with the Bruce Vento Trail. (Last biked Sunday, September 28th, 2014, 11 PM to 1 PM)

Just east of downtown White Bear Lake, this trail runs along the shore of White Bear Lake, featuring numerous stretches of views. You'll notice that the shore is a lot farther away than it used to be -- this lake is shrinking. The trail parallels one-lane Lake Avenue, and the trail is actually wider than the street. (Last biked Thursday, July 10th, 2014, 2 PM to 3 PM)

This popular one-way trail loops around a partially human-made lake. It appeals to both jaunters and more ambitious trainers, who will find challenges when the bike lane curves away from the walking trail to climb over Nausbaumer Hill (though the pavement on that section could use re-doing). Loop is one-way counterclockwise. A spur trail next to Lexington Parkway connects Minnehaha Avenue with the lake via a new bridge. (Last biked Monday, October 3rd, 2016, 1 PM to 3 PM)

ALERT (10/3/16): The intersection of Como Avenue and Lexington is torn up. It is easily bypassed by riding on the sidewalk on the other side of Lexington.

Compared to Como, Phalen and Central Park's Bennett, Lake McCarrons sits in shadow, more well-known for its swimming than for its bike trail, which connects Reservoir Woods with the Trout Brook Trail (and thus, the Gateway). It's decent -- and doesn't attract the throngs Como or Phalen does -- but the lakefront is limited to only a few blocks along the southern side of the loop. You will only catch glimpses on the rest of the trail, which goes past busy Rice Street and nearby suburbs. Indeed, I've biked this trail many times, and I still don't feel like I've really gotten to know the lake. Loop is two-way. (Last biked Monday, August 4th, 2014, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM)

_Lake Phalen TrailLength: 3.1
mile loopRating: 4
½ / 5Surface: AsphaltThis
loop (one-way clockwise) goes around Lake Phalen in Phalen – Keller
Park, with plenty of ups and downs on which you can pick up a lot of
speed. On sections shared with walkers, having to ride on what seems
like the left side of the dividing line can be a bit confusing. The trail and park are justifiably very popular,
yet the lake maintains a surprising level of pristine beauty.
An 0.3-mile spur along Phalen Creek links Lake Phalen with the Gateway Trail. (Last biked Sunday, June 22nd, 2014, 4 PM to 6 PM)

The longest street in the Twin Cities has a trail paralleling it from Saint Paul to Shoreview, where you can connect to the Rice Creek North Trail and the East Anoka County Trail (which continues to parallel Lexington all the way to Blaine). That said, the Lexington Avenue Trail is nondescript and rather unpleasant as it parallels this major road, useful only as a reasonably fast way to get from Point A to Point B. (Last biked Sunday, November 2nd, 2014, 3 PM to 5 PM)

The map at right shows both the Lexington Avenue Trail and the East Anoka County Trail to the north.

What was once a bumpy backwater has gotten a makeover. From Harriet Island (not an island anymore), the Lilydale Trail brings you further into the wild Mississippi River ecosystem than most other trails in the area. But for a ten-foot portion on Water Street under a bridge, the trail is now repaved, off streets, and dotted with overlooks. It splits in two and makes a short loop, which, being on a flat floodplain, is perfect for beginners. One trail goes closer to the Mississippi River, while the other goes along bluff-lined Pickerel Lake. (Last biked Friday, June 19th, 2015, 10 PM to 2 PM)

ALERT (from St. Paul Bicycling Bulletin): A portion of Lilydale Road is being reconstructed this summer (2016), which will require closing a portion of the Lilydale Trail. While many of the trails will remain open, Lilydale won't be open as a through route for much of the summer.

A hilly slice of wilderness, this wonderful trail winds through Reservoir Woods Park. If you begin from Victoria Street (the direction I would recommend), the trail winds uphill to the new reservoir. From there, the trail shoots down a steep hill that lasts half a mile and is a lot of fun, then curves south into smaller rolling hills. The Reservoir Woods Trail also connects with the trail around Lake McCarrons (which leads to the Trout Brook Trail) via a spur. Almost the entire trail is in lush, deep forest, which changes character each season and resembles forests in the wilderness of northern Minnesota. (Last biked Monday, October 3rd, 2016, 1 PM to 3 PM)

FYIIt's 1.2 miles from Reservoir Woods to Central Park via the not very interesting Dale Street Trail. Just turn north at the junction in the pine forest.

No other trail says “Saint Paul” quite like the Sam Morgan Trail. It shows many sides of the city, both pleasant and not so much. The trail follows Shepard/Warner Road – one of the Twin Cities most scenic highways (though it is a highway, so prepare for some polluted bits) – along the Mississippi River gorge from its confluence with the Minnesota all the way to the Battle Creek area. Having been newly repaved and renovated, the scenic segment above Crosby Farm Park is now practically the trail’s highlight. Past 35E, both views and maintenance temporarily thin out. At Randolph Avenue, make sure to divert away from the road onto the newer alternate trail. It offers views of some of Saint Paul’s big-ticket sights – the Cathedral, Downtown skyline, High Bridge, and beautiful foliage in fall – before rejoining with the main trail in the pleasant Upper Landing Park. Beyond Downtown, the trail passes across wind-rippled floodplains. From there, the trail climbs steeply above a sea of industry. At the junction at Fish Hatchery Road, continue straight to get on a spur to beautiful Indian Mounds Park, and turn right to continue to Battle Creek. The final portion of the trail winds through the woods to Highway 61, which it parallels for a bit with views of the Saint Paul skyline across Fish Hatchery Lake. From the Point Douglas Trailhead at the end, you can pick up the Battle Creek Trail. (Last biked Sunday, May 17th, 2015, 12 PM to 2 PM)

This wonderful trail loops around a spectacular wetland, ringed by woods, near Snail Lake and accessible from its beach. Its lush scenery and few signs of civilization (besides the occasional glimpse of a backyard) would make even the most jaded cynic smile. It's mostly flat, and features a 1.4-mile loop with no road crossings, so it's a great place to learn to bike. It's also the kickoff point for the beautiful Vadnais Lakes Loop. (Last biked Wednesday, July 30th, 2014, 10 AM to 12 PM)

What was once a water utility road, prized among bicyclists for its beauty but open to motorized vehicles, has been turned into an amazing, smooth, wide trail for bicycles and walking. The southern half traces a tree-spattered dike across Vadnais Lake, which looks like it's been somehow transported from the Northwest Territories and plopped here. It's set in a huge, tree-filled valley, with stark throughfares twisting their way along the steep sides. . . a sight worlds away from the surrounding suburban sprawl. Biking across it is an amazing experience. The northern section goes past Sucker Lake, another pretty lake. Both lakes are reservoirs for the city of Saint Paul. (Last biked Wednesday, July 30th, 2014, 10 AM to 12 PM)

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Segment (0.7 miles)Until recently, this nature sanctuary (which is still being built as of August 2014) was an undeveloped tangle of grass. The trail, on a converted railroad grade, comes within a few hundred feet of the Gateway Trail's southern terminus (it should be connected in late July 2016), and features views of industry and the downtown skyline across open fields.(Last biked Monday, August 4th, 2014, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM)

Arlington to Lake McCarrons (1.1 miles)From the Gateway Trail, go west on the sidewalk next to Arlington to connect up with the older portion of the trail off of Jackson Street. Here, the trail passes wild wetlands and follows wonderful Trout Brook (now aboveground) to Lake McCarrons. Keep watch for birds and other wildlife. (Last biked Monday, October 3rd, 2016, 1 PM to 3 PM)

The Trout Brook Trail north of Larpenteur.

THE FUTURE: The eventual plan is for this trail to go all the way from McCarrons to the Mississippi River, connecting the Sam Morgan, Bruce Vento and Gateway Trails (that will be awesome).

The University of Minnesota Transitway connects the U's Minneapolis Campus (above the river near downtown) to its Saint Paul Campus (near the State Fairgrounds). Only buses, bikes and emergency vehicles are allowed on the transitway -- so the only usual automotive traffic is the campus shuttle every several minutes. There is also an adjacent paved trail for part of the transitway's length. It's a convenient and oft-used commuter route, connecting to the Dinkytown Greenway, two light rail stations, and the Saint Paul Grand Rounds bike route. The scenery, however, is mostly the industrial backwaters that make up the limbo land between the main parts of the two cities. You will likely notice the pollution when climbing over the bridge between Energy Park Drive and Como Avenue. (Last biked August 13th, 2014, 5 PM to 6 PM)

Ramsey County Rides

Two Lakes Route(8 miles round trip - Saint Paul and Roseville)Attractions: Lakes, streams, hills, woodsAnnoyances: Crossings of busy roads, on-street bikingSynopsis:Start at Lake Como, a smallish lake along the eastern border of the hopping Como Regional park, which includes a zoo, a conservatory, and a picnic area. From the Lake Como parking lot, head along the lakeshore counterclockwise (the trail is one way, and always busy). Going around lakes is a quite popular way to get outside, as you will probably see. A little over halfway around the lake (just north of the peninsula), take a slight right off the trail and up East Como Boulevard, which climbs a ridge on the lake's east side. Keep going straight ahead, and the street becomes Milton. Once you reach Larpenteur (the city line), go up Victoria, which intersects with the other side of the road a few hundred feet to the right, and has a paved trail next to it. Half a mile up Victoria is Roselawn (the 45th parallel, incidentally), and from there, turn right on the Reservoir Woods Trail for some densely wooded, hilly fun. It's mostly downhill in this direction, including a quite steep descent through a pine forest that lasts half a mile. When you reach the kiosk on the opposite side of the tunnel under Dale Street, merge left onto the spur to Lake McCarrons. Soon you'll reach the lake, and turn right for a panoramic cruise above the shoreline. Cut north along the trail next to Rice Street until you reach North McCarrons Blvd. This trail is farther from the lake, but you will still catch some glimpses of the lake, and there's a downhill. However, as you head back, you'll have to head straight up in a strenuous climb through the Reservoir Woods pine forest: Good luck.

Vadnais Lakes Loop (9 miles - Shoreview and Vadnais Heights)Attractions: Beautiful lakes, wetlands, few roads, birdsAnnoyances: Section on Rice Street, section next to Highway 96Synopsis:This beautiful ride takes you to four wonderful lakes in the suburbs of Shoreview and Vadnais Lakes, and is mostly flat. Begin at Snail Lake Beach (the northern parking lot of Snail Lake Park) and take the trail under the bridge to get to the Snail Lake Trail. Head right (south) through gorgeous woods and wetlands, taking the first right to tunnel under Gramsie Road, then merging left onto the Grass Lake Trail. This trail takes you past quiet, marshy Grass Lake and across 694. Turn right on the trail exit after 694, and head south on Soo Street. Turn left on the trail next to Owasso Boulevard, then left again on busy Rice Street. When you first see Vadnais Lake when crossing 694, it is a stunning sight, set in a huge, tree-filled valley, with stark throughfares twisting their way along the steep sides. . . a sight worlds away from the surrounding suburban sprawl. And then you get to bike into the valley (on Vadnais Boulevard) and across the lake on the Sucker Lake Trail. After a short jag to the left on County Road F, the trail continues north and passes Sucker Lake, another beautiful lake. Both lakes are reservoirs that supply water for Saint Paul. To get to more beauty, take a quick left on the Highway 96 Trail and follow it for a few minutes. When you turn left on the Snail Lake Trail (be vigilant, as it sneaks up on you), things get nice again with more looks at the beautiful woods that you started with. Turn right on the loop section of the trail for the fastest way back to the parking lot. That is, if you want to leave. If you feel lost, the Shoreview towers, gigantic radio towers to the southwest, are almost ever-present on this ride. Their location in relation to you should be able to tell you something about where you are.

NOTE: The Sucker Lake Trail is marked on the file as "Sucker Lake Water Utility Road." It is now a trail, however.

Three Lakes Route(20 miles round trip - Saint Paul, Roseville and Maplewood)Attractions: Three lakes, numerous streams, hills, woods, wetlands, two cemeteriesAnnoyances: Crossings of busy roads, on-street bikingSynopsis:This ride showcases the little-known Reservoir Woods and Trout Brook trails as a new and improved way to get from Como to Phalen. Follow the Two Lakes Route (earlier on this page) to the south shore of Lake McCarrons. Cut through Lake McCarrons Park to Rice Street (If it's hot, go a few blocks south to the Dairy Queen), and get on the Trout Brook Trail to explore the wild wetlands along a wonderful creek. You'll come out -- what do you know -- back in Saint Paul again. It's unmarked, but the sidewalk heading east along Arlington is really the Trout Brook Trail continuing. If you get on that, you'll find another short asphalt segment that takes you south to the good ole Gateway Trail. Any ride along the Gateway is a timeless trek through scenic woods and wetlands. Turn left and head two miles along this wonderful long-converted railroad grade. Now you're in Maplewood. Take the Keller park spur trail and head south to Lake Phalen. This large, pretty, deep lake sits along the border of Saint Paul and Maplewood, in Phalen-Keller Regional Park, and among woods and hills. Loop around the lake and head back toward Como. This time, go around the north side of McCarrons (the trail is actually a few blocks from the lake, but there's a big downhill). Now you'll have to head straight up in a strenuous climb through the Reservoir Woods pine forest: Good luck.

Download the file below for a map of the Three Lakes and Two Lakes Routes.

Saint Paul Grand Rounds (32 miles - Saint Paul)Attractions: Hills, historic city, river gorge, views, numerous sightsAnnoyances: On-road sections Synopsis:The historic capital city has a Grand Rounds of its own, using the trails along the river gorge and the bike lanes and parkways of the north. The parkways are having their own off-street trails put in over the course of the next few years. It's at its best in autumn, when the foliage thins out to reveal views from the top of forested ridges.

The Mississippi GorgeBegin at the Summit Monument (do not leave valuables in cars), which has a great overlook of the Mississippi River gorge. Much of this ride runs along the gorge. A short walk on a dirt path from your starting point takes you to Shadow Falls, in a pocket of woods bypassed by the scenic drive and trail. Head south on the East Mississippi River Gorge Trail -- or the bike lane on adjacent Mississippi River Boulevard if you want to go fast -- stopping off occasionally for more views of the river. South of Ford Parkway you'll find viewpoints of Lock and Dam No. 1 and a storm drain discharge called Hidden Falls. As you pass above Hidden Falls Park, smaller overlooks look up the wild gorge all the way to downtown Minneapolis. After crossing Highway 5 you pass the Two Rivers Overlook, which actually just views the confluence of the Mississippi and a back channel of the Minnesota, the real confluence of the two is at the other end of Pike Island. However, as you start your northwestward trek next to Shepard Road on the Sam Morgan Trail, you can look behind you and see up the vast Minnesota Valley. As you coast downhill toward 35E, the water you see far below through the trees to your right is Crosby Lake. The trail continues next to Shepard Road, heading toward downtown, which, unlike downtown Minneapolis, is perched on a high ridge above the river. At Randolph, the trail splits. Take the fork closer to the river.

Around DowntownYou'll see Saint Paul's somewhat modest skyline up ahead. Start looking for the cathedral in the hills to your left as you head down to the river's shore. Many think would be world-famous if it weren't in the middle of North America. There's a viewpoint under the high bridge in which you can take in the gorge. Soon after you'll reach Upper Landing Park, which has recently been spiffed up with fountains and trees. This was once the northernmost navigable port on the Mississippi, and you will see many a boat and barge. Head past the Science Museum and Robert Street Bridge to older Lower Landing Park, where you can ride out onto concrete platforms in the river with views. You'll see very prominent bluffs up ahead. Continue due east next to Warner Road (follow detour signs due to current closure), and you'll head up a very steep hill (with views over an industrial part of the east side). At the Fish Hatchery Road junction, continue next to Warner Road. At the top of the hill is the Indian Mounds Park Trail. Turn left. The official route of the Saint Paul Grand Rounds then turns right on Johnson Parkway, but I recommend continuing to the mounds themselves (upon detouring, you'll meet up with the route again at this point): Burial mounds that have been sacred to the people of Minnesota for over 2,000 years. Heading downhill, you'll pass the historic Mounds Park Beacon. Then you'll reach an expansive view of the Saint Paul Skyline and State Capitol. This view gives a great idea of Saint Paul: the hustle and bustle, and the meeting of modern and historic.

The Lakes & ParkwaysHead right on Plum Street, which becomes Pacific Street. After a mile, take a sharp left on Johnson Parkway. This busy road takes you across the leafy East Side to pretty Lake Phalen. (As you approach the lake, you'll see the Bruce Vento Trail to the right.) You can get on the trail around the lake, but if you just stay on the parkway it quickly becomes Wheelock Parkway -- your next artery -- and curves away from the lake much too soon. Wheelock is a moderate thoroughfare and a great trip to make (Wheelock between Rice and Edgerton is closed summer 2016, as they're putting in an off-street path). It starts out heading through the North End, with slight rolling hills. You'll cross the Gateway and Trout Brook Trails. After a few miles, Wheelock makes a strenuous climb up a ridge in two giant switchbacks, then continues along the top of the ridge. When the foliage has dropped during the late fall, winter, and early spring, you can see the whole city spread out before you to the left. The ridge is soon left behind and the parkway eventually comes to small Lake Como. Get on the trail around the lake and head around the north side (stopping at Black Bear Crossing if you like), then turn right after climbing and descending Nausbaumer Hill (toward the memorial with the pink torpedo).

Saint Anthony ParkKeep right, and this trail will take you to Horton. Take another right on the trail on the south (other) side of Horton, and follow it to Hamline, where Horton becomes Como Avenue. Get on the Como bike lane. At this point, Como Avenue shoots straight toward the Minneapolis skyline, which makes you wonder if you're on the right Grand Rounds. (Don't worry: you are.) After you go under Snelling, you'll see the State Fairgrounds to your right. You can bike into them if the fair isn't going on (August - September), and you'll find them to be a strange and deserted place. Continue to follow Como into Saint Anthony Park, where the streets can never seem to untangle. Appropriately, Como itself begins to curve around. Turn left on Raymond Avenue, which is even more curvy (much of Raymond will be closed in summer 2016, but at least one sidewalk will remain open). After you cross the railroad tracks on a high bridge, you'll be amazed at how much speed you can pick up as the gradual downhill back to the river begins. Just after crossing University (you're following the "bike route" signs at this point), take a right on Myrtle Avenue, then a left on Pelham Boulevard (Pelham is being re-done in 2016 to add a protected bikeway). After crossing 94 on an exceptionally high bridge, the real descent to the river begins as you enter the Desnoyer Park neighborhood. The steep hill is a lot of fun, but beware of the stop sign at Otis. You'll come to the river just north of the Lake Street Bridge, from where it's a short ride south (on the East Mississippi River Gorge Trail) back to the Summit Monument.